Bracket for antenna attachment

Abstract

An antenna bracket that enables relatively easy alignment of an antenna on a support structure such as a utility pole or tower. The bracket provides for low profile antenna attachment. The bracket includes a first bracket member that is joined to the support structure, a second bracket member that is coupled to the antenna, and a bracket interface member that is coupled to the first bracket member. An alignment device formed with a coupling body and a curved member extending from the coupling body is retained between the bracket interface member and the first bracket member and is secured to the second bracket member. The curved member enables fine movement of the antenna in any selectable direction to ensure its alignment with respect to the support structure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to brackets used to attach antennas to supports such as utility poles. More particularly, the present invention relates to an antenna bracket that can be used to adjust the alignment of the antenna and fixing it in an aligned position.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Presently, antennas such as cellular phone antennas are mounted on support structures that extend 100 feet or more from the surface. They are mounted using mounting brackets. It is important that the antenna be aligned as accurately as possible to ensure optimization of signal exchange. It is difficult to do that at the heights involved. Also, given governmental regulations that restrict the height of the combination of support structure and antenna, the antenna is preferably located as close to the top of the support as possible so as not to exceed height limits of the combination. These two requirements can be diffi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]It is an object of the present invention to provide an antenna bracket configured to enable adjustment of an antenna such as a cellular signal transmission / reception antenna on its support so that it is aligned in a desired position. It is also an object of the present invention to provide such an antenna bracket that is relatively low profile to minimize the overall height of the antenna and its support. The antenna bracket is designed to be relatively easy to use and maintain so that it can be placed on the support structure and keep the antenna in a desired alignment under expected weather conditions.

[0007]These and other objects are achieved with the present invention, which is an antenna bracket that enables relatively easy alignment of the antenna on its support. It also enables relatively low profile placement of the antenna on the support so that the antenna is located a small distance from the top of the support without compromising the ability to align the antenna where desired. This present bracket helps with antenna concealment and provides a stable mount for antenna optimizations.

[0010]The bracket of the present invention adds only a few inches to the overall height of the support and antenna combination. As a result, the antenna has a very low profile and thereby is fairly well concealed while also aiding in meeting overall height restrictions. The bracket members may be fabricated of relatively inexpensive materials such as steel, aluminum or other metallic and non-metallic materials. The alignment device may be a trailer ball, which is also relatively inexpensive. Its curved member allows for fine movement of the antenna without limitation to a single plane of movement. In addition, the use of the present alignment device as part of the bracket facilitates antenna placement, alignment and securing, thereby improving the installation process and any adjustment or maintenance efforts that may be required.

Problems solved by technology

It is difficult to do that at the heights involved.

These two requirements can be difficult to reconcile as spacing the antenna from the top of the support generally enables more effective alignment.

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